Seeking or being sought…

13Jul

Greetings from Blogblunders Land,

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Anyway, today we continue on our adventures through the Gospel of John.

Our verses for today our from John 1:35-42:

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold,the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him,“Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesuswas Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have foundthe Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said,”So you are Simon the son ofJohn? You shall be calledCephas” (which meansPeter).

Up until now in our journey through the Gospel of John, we have been introduced to Jesus and John. A few side characters have crossed our path, but only really to give us a fuller picture of John the Baptist and his pointing to Jesus. From now on in the Gospel we start to get more ‘named’ characters appearing, more people we can relate to.

Ordinary folk, some might say.

What is interesting about these people that we are introduced to are also on a journey. We can see from the conversation that takes place between Andrew and Simon Peter that they have been looking for the Messiah. They have been waiting for the promised one, the one who will redeem and save Israel.

Little do they realise that Jesus has been looking for them.

He knew that he was going to need disciples to fulfil his mission. A group that he could train, equip and ready for the continuing spread of the good news – that they can have a relationship with God.

How often do we come sheepishly come to Jesus and mutter something along the lines of, “Sorry I haven’t spoken to you in a while”, only to hear him say; “I’ve been waiting for you!, come let us talk!”

The truth is that our journey with Jesus is always two way. We are called to seek after Him and yet it would seem that He continues to seek after us (Ezekiel 34:12). He is looking for his sheep, those who have gone astray, those who He can transform this world with.

Jesus was looking for his disciples, they made themselves known to Him by seeking Him.

Now, we still have a choice in the matter and I believe this choice is the one we do minute by minute, day by day.

So, will we seek Jesus?

He is always seeking us.

As always let me know your thoughts,

Grace and peace,

Steve

Almighty God; Father,

Thank you for seeking me,

Thank you for your grace that extends to me.

May I be known as a follower of Jesus.

In this moment I choose to seek Jesus,

I know that you are always seeking for a relationship with me and that you are interested in me.

You are for me not against me,

You are seeking to save me, to restore me, to reach out to me.

May I take the gamble in this moment and risk it all to know you and your love.

Holy Spirit make your presence real to me in this moment.

May I set my face to seek the Lord and by His grace may I find Him.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

p.s. You may also like to check out some additional stories of God seeking us: